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The Owen Sound Attack captain felt his Ontario Hockey League team was built to go a long way in the playoffs.

So Sunday's 3-1 Western Conference semifinal loss to Plymouth not only ended the Attack's dreams of a championship but also the 20-year-old Bracebridge native's OHL career.

"I thought we had the team to bring it to the top," Cutting said on Sunday.

"Sometimes it doesn't end the way you want it to."

Cutting played five seasons in Owen Sound, setting the franchise record for games played at 374 (327 regular season and 47 playoffs).

"It's been a huge honour being part of this team and especially to be captain," the defenseman said.

"We've had great success. I know we weren't voted to be where we are now so I'm really proud of our team."

The stay-at-home defenseman won't bring fans out of their seats with his play but he was an invaluable shutdown D for the Attack.

"He's a great guy and a phenomenal teammate," Attack coach Greg Ireland said.

"He's poured his heart and soul into this organization and it will be tough to see him leave because of the quality person he is. Really what he brought to the table is leadership."

Daniel Zweep's OHL career ended in the stands as the 20-year-old Bradford did not dress for Sunday's game.

"It's been a great four years here," said Zweep.

"When I came here it was as a project and hopefully I showed the fans over the years that I can play. Hopefully I've shown how much time and effort I've put into it."

It was a tough season for Zweep whose size – six-foot-five, 229 pounds – made him an easy target for the on-ice officials.

"This year was tough, for sure," said Zweep. "I never saw myself as a bad guy on the ice. I just wish they'd treat me like everyone else."

Ireland echoed Zweep's sentiments.

"I feel bad for him because it's almost like any time he stepped on the ice somebody was waiting to put him in the penalty box," said Ireland.

"He deserves better. He's a tremendous person and he's not a vicious player. He's big and strong and deserves a chance to play the game. He's a much better player than anybody gave him credit for and we've seen the growth in his game over the last couple years."

Ireland said he regrets that Zweep wasn't in the lineup for his team's final game.

"That fact that this was our last game and Daniel wasn't in it is a hard pill to swallow but it's one of those tough choices you have to make as a leader," Ireland said.

"Daniel is one of the best team guys I've ever seen. He'll do anything for the team. That's been seen from Day 1."

Defenseman Nathan Chiarlitti only spent one season with Owen Sound, joining the Attack in August.

But he quickly grew to appreciate his new home.

"This was the best year of my life," said the 21-year-old Maple native.

"The city and the community, the fan support, the coaching staff, the organization, I just wish I'd (come here) sooner. This whole year has been a highlight for me."

Ireland said he understands that a bevy of overage candidates is why Sarnia traded Chiarlitti.

"But I don't know how anybody could let a quality person like that go and him coming here was a real boon for us," Ireland said.

"I have a real soft spot for that young man. He's just a great person."

Chiarlitti, Cutting, and Zweep are now too old for the OHL.

Players such as Daniel Catenacci, Jordan Binnington, and Cody Ceci have all been drafted by National Hockey League teams and can play in the minors next season or return to the Attack as overages.

Undrafted overage candidates – who also have the option of playing minor pro – include Cameron Brace, Kurtis Gabriel, Kyle Hope, Steven Janes, and Brayden Rose.

OHL teams can only dress three overages – and carry four until late November.